An online community of practice around science communication: #onsci

Abstract

#onsci is a Twitter hashtag and monthly chat session originally created to continue and extend conversations ‘on science’ stemming from the Inspiring Australia conference of 2011. Each month, participants are invited to join a hosted hour-long Twitter conversation on topical matters relating to science communication, education, policy, research, marketing and more. Interested parties also use the #onsci tag to share relevant resources and conduct conversations outside of designated chat times. With approximately 50 participants per session (mostly Australian but also some internationals) in 25 chats, #onsci has been highly successful in providing a forum for those interested in science communication to come together, share ideas and develop their personal and professional networks. #onsci has also contributed to the development of science policy via a submission to the McKeon Review, and teaching of science communication in Australia through informal associations with courses taught at Universities and online. This paper considers the effectiveness of #onsci as an online community of practice around science communication, and consider how future iterations might shape the practice of science communication in Australia.